On Saturday they host Scone to kick-off their quest for back to back Central North premierships.

Many are touting the premiers as the team to beat, and while conscious of what what his side is capable of, Pirates coach Mat Kelly said the focus at this point has been really on the basics.

“We really just want to start from scratch again to make sure we build,” he said.

“Obviously we can’t expect to produce what we produced at the end of last year.

“Last year was a process.”

He couldn’t be happier with what he’s seen from his side so far and will be hoping they can continue the form they showed in their trial game against Balmain.

“If we can show glimpses of that trial form we’ll be very competitive,” he said.

James Trappel has been given first crack at half-back, following Amos Ioasa’s switch back to league.

“He played quite well in the trial games, showed a bit of form there,” Kelly said.

Outside of him Andrew Moodie will direct the show at five-eighth with Brendan Rixon and Damian Reti forming an ominous centre pairing.

Kelly said the Brumbies are a bit of a darkhorse, but is expecting a tough tussle up front. Proceeding the mens action there will be a women’s gala Come and Try day with Pirates hosting Scone and Inverell. The first game kicks-off at 10am.